It may be a large and heavy draft horse, but the Clydesdale has always had a bit of flair. With its distinct high stepping action and heavy, silky feathering, this horse has won its place as one of the world's most famous breeds.

Not normally convex, the head profile is straight with a wide forehead and big, bright, and intelligent eyes. The shoulders slope down to clearly defined withers that sit higher than the croup – the croup being the area between the top of the tail and the highest point of the hindquarters. The body is deep with a wide girth, showcasing the horses large quarters and powerful hind legs that are longer than most heavy breeds. You will also often see a Clydesdale sporting shaved or decorated tails, a custom that's popular with show and parade horses.

Their heavy, flat hooves make them well suited for work on hard, concrete city streets, while their size and prominence make them a popular choice for parades and advertising. Despite their role in show business, the Clydesdale is still used as a work horse, particularly in forestry where the strength and maneuverability of a horse can far outweigh the benefits of a mechanized device.

The breed originated in Clyde Valley, Scotland. Though, on the books, it's just barely 150 years old, the breed has been extremely influential in the world of heavy horses. They have been exported all over the world and were once called “the breed that built Australia.” Influential and powerful, the Clydesdale exudes strength with every step it takes.

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Clydesdale - Horses for Sale